Dominic Cooper CONFIRMED to Play Howard Stark in CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER

Yesterday, we received the official press release that Tommy Lee Jones will play General Chester Phillips in Captain America: The First Avenger. Today, Marvel has sent us another press release confirmation announcing that Dominic Cooper (An Education) will play Howard Stark. We reported back in May that Cooper had secured the part. It was also rumored that he would play Fandral (one of the Warriors Three) in Thor so it looks like Cooper still found his way into the Marvel Universe. As those who saw Iron Man 2 (or read comics) know, Howard Stark is the father of Tony Stark (aka Iron Man) and was played in that film by John Slattery (Mad Men). However, since Captain America takes place during World War II, a younger Howard Stark is required. I assume that Stark’s engineering genius will factor into the creation of Captain America’s equipment.

The film stars Chris Evans as Captain America and co-stars Hayley Atwell, Sebastian Stan, Stanley Tucci, Toby Jones, Neal McDonough, and Hugo Weaving. Hit the jump for the press release. Captain America: The First Avenger is slated to open on July 22, 2011.

Here’s the press release:

Dominic Cooper Confirmed as Howard Stark in

Marvel Studios’ CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER

Marvel Studios announced today that Dominic Cooper has been cast to star as Howard Stark in the studio’s highly anticipated movie CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER opposite Chris Evans, Tommy Lee Jones, Hugo Weaving, Hayley Atwell, Sebastian Stan, and Stanley Tucci. In the film, Cooper will portray the younger version of Howard Stark, the character which John Slattery portrayed in IRON MAN 2. Joe Johnston will direct the film penned by Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely.

Marvel Studios’ Kevin Feige will produce CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER. Alan Fine, Stan Lee, David Maisel, Nigel Gostelow and Louis D’Esposito will executive produce. The film will be released in the US on July 22, 2011 and distributed by Paramount Pictures.

CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER will focus on the early days of the Marvel Universe when Steve Rogers volunteers to participate in an experimental program that turns him into the Super Soldier known as Captain America.

Cooper will soon be seen in Stephen Frears’ TAMARA DREWE and Lee Tamahori’s THE DEVIL’S DOUBLE. He was most recently seen in the Oscar® nominated AN EDUCATION as well as THE DUCHESS. Cooper is also well known for his roles as Sky in the movie musical MAMMA MIA! and Dakin in both the stage and screen adaptations of THE HISTORY BOYS.